Great Keeshees

The Great Keeshees is a larger-sized hybrid, a cross between a large, white dog that has served as the guardian of sheep for thousands of years, the Great Pyrenees, and the Keeshond breed, a friendly and clever spitz type dog from Holland that is closely related to the German Wolfspitz. Their long double coat is relatively easy to care for, and although it does require some heavy duty brushing a few times a week, the requirement for bathing is rare. They are generally too large and too active of an animal to live comfortably in an apartment- type environment, however, these dogs are excellent companions for children, and are generally tolerant of other animals.

Purpose

Companion animal, guard dog

Date of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Great Pyrenees and Keeshond

Great Keeshees Health

Average Size

Height: 25-30 inchesWeight: 75-105 lbs

Height: 22-27 inchesWeight: 65-95 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation

Hip Dysplasia

Cardiovascular Concerns

Minor Concerns

Diabetes

Wobbler's Syndrome

Eye Diseases and Disorders

Occasional Diagnoses

Epilepsy

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Tetralogy of Fallot

Occasional Tests

MRI

Eye Examination

X-ray imaging

Neurological Examination

Blood Sugar Testing

Great Keeshees Breed History

The Great Keeshees is a designer dog, the intentional cross between the friendly and energetic spitz-type dog known as the Keeshond and the Great Pyrenees, a large and protective shepherding breed. The Great Pyrenees is known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the UK and Europe because they have been herding sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains for about three thousand years. Where they came from before they settled in the mountains is not well documented, although it is thought that they originated ten to eleven thousand years ago. The Great Pyrenes worked at guarding of property and as jailer’s dogs. In the 1600s, Dauphin Louis XIV dubbed this breed the Royal Dog of France, and they were instrumental in the development of both the modern Newfoundland and Landseer breeds. The Keeshond has also been around quite a while, though not quite as long as the Great Pyrenees. As far back as the 1400s and 1500s they were prized on farms for their gentle and entertaining manner with children as well as their herding skill watchdog instincts. In the 1600s and 1700s their role in society expanded and although many still guarded farms, they were also employed as barge and river dogs where they killed vermin, helped guide cargo, and even sometimes jumped in the water to guide the boats themselves.

Great Keeshees Breed Appearance

The Great Keeshees is typically a large dog with a fairly square silhouette, although they are generally somewhat smaller than the Great Pyrenees. There can be quite a bit of variation from there, as the two dogs are quite different in structure, the head of the Great Pyrenees is somewhat large and square, as is the muzzle, though not generally to the point of being heavy and sports medium length ears that fold forward; the Keeshond tends to have a smaller head, however, with a more delicate, fox-like structure and small triangular ears that stand upright. The tail of both breeds end in a shepherds crook and may curl over completely when they are excited, and while this canine will certainly have an abundant double coat of hair, there can be large differences in the look and feel of the fur as well as in in the coloration. If the Great Keeshees takes after the Pyrenees side of their ancestry, their long, thick outer coat will lay flat against their body, however, those that resemble the Keeshond will have a harsh, rough coat that stands out from the body, although both breeds tend to sport a more profuse mane around the neck area.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Silver

Gray

Cream

Black

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Great Keeshees Breed Maintenance

Although the long, thick coat of the Great Keeshees looks like it would take a great deal of work, it is actually fairly simple to care for. Both dogs have coats that are somewhat dirt and water resistant and neither should be bathed too often as it can result in a depletion of the body oils needed to maintain the suppleness and shine of both the skin and the coat. Although daily brushing may result in the ends of the hair breaking off, it is needed at least three or four times a week to prevent tangling and matting. It is particularly important to ensure you are getting the entire depth of the undercoat brushed, as severe mats in this area can cause damage to the underlying skin.

Brushes for Great Keeshees

Dematter

Comb

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Great Keeshees Temperament

Hybrid dogs can take personality traits from either parent breed, so there can be some variation in the temperament of the Great Keeshees dog. The Keeshond is very people oriented and craves attention while the Great Pyrenees tends to more independent and aloof, though both need early socialization to prevent timid, aloof, or sometimes aggressive behavior, and neither respond well to harsh training techniques. Both dogs are quite intelligent, although the Great Pyrenees can be rather strong-willed, reacting with stubbornness if treated harshly, and the Keeshond tends to be a bit mischievous. Harsh training methods tend to result in manipulative and destructive behaviors. Properly socialized, the Great Keeshees should be extremely tolerant of children and smaller animals in their family, and most will be tolerant of others as well, although the guardian heritage of the Pyrenees can occasionally result in overprotective behaviors. In most cases, the Great Keeshees will be friendlier and more outgoing than the Great Pyrenees, less timid and more protective than the Keeshond, and with an intelligence that can be both cooperative and independent.

Great Keeshees Activity Requirements

Although the Keeshond is quite energetic, neither parent breed is particularly active, and the Great Keeshees will generally be quite content with just 40 to 60 minutes of activity a day. Although this dog will certainly enjoy either brisk or leisurely walks with you, they will also benefit from the inclusion of alternate activities, particularly those that engage the mind. The Great Keeshees may enjoy and excel at activities like cart pulling, agility training, and freestyle dog dancing. Although they do not need a great deal of exercise, mental stimulation and family inclusion are essential to a well balanced, self-confident, and stable animal, and too much time bored or alone may result in relentlessly vocal or destructive behaviors.